The first few months of 2018 offer a smorgasbord of seasonal marketing opportunities. But between the Christmas wind-down/rush and the New Year ‘slump’, many businesses miss them. This can result in missing opportunities to connect with prospects and customers during quiet, reflective times when they might be at their most receptive to your marketing materials. Here’s our guide to key dates in early 2018…
1st January 2018 – Dry January begins
Not just for soft drinks retailers, Dry January also signals the time of year when everyone is thinking about getting healthy. Clever personal trainers, gyms and those in the wellbeing industry will be putting out some well-timed marketing right at the start of January. We have a blog on year-round marketing for anyone working in the fitness and wellbeing sector here.
4th – 8th January 2018 – Back to work/school/university
Not just for uniform shops and stationers, many of the ideas from our Back to School and Back to Work blogs from September are equally relevant in January.
15th January 2018 – Blue Monday
Whether you agree or think it’s a load of PR nonsense, this is bound to trend on social media so be ready! Why not do something that will make your customers happy on what is rumored to be the saddest day of the year? A big one-day-only discount? A community event? Supporting a local charity? An indulgent free gift with certain purchases?
18th – 21st January 2018 – Lumiere London begins
London will be positively glowing in January as the UK’s largest light festival returns. Perhaps you could do something to coincide? Or perhaps there are other festivals and events happening near you that you could get involved with?
25th January 2018 – Burns Night
As it has become increasingly popular with the hospitality sector, Burns Night becomes a more prominent date in everyone’s calendar. Could your business get involved with well-timed social media content or a themed e-mailer?
13th February 2018 – Pancake Day
Not just pancake day – any food-related day can be a fab marketing opportunity for eateries of all shapes and sizes as our pun-packed blog demonstrates…
14th February 2018 – Valentine’s Day
This is already a big fixture on most marketing schedules. But with Singles Awareness Day on the 15th now part of the seasonal calendar, it’s worth considering from different angles. Perhaps romantic events and gifts for couples – and just-for-one treats or anti-valentine events for non-traditionalists and single people?
16th February 2018 – Chinese New Year
From fortune cookies, printed paper lanterns, decorations and branded gifts to cards and emailers – we can create traditional or abstract design for you to send to clients and contacts. 2018 will be the year of the dog so this is a great one for any pet-related organisations to get involved with.
26th February 2018 – Fairtrade fortnight begins
This is an obvious initiative for retailers to be involved with, but it could also be supported by any business wanting to help raise awareness of the importance of fairtrade produce. Perhaps you could hold an event, or simply big-up your local fairtrade suppliers on social media?
Of course, you don’t have to wait until a seasonal event to send out great marketing. Our team of experienced creatives can help you with advice, inspiration and eye-catching design, print and digital marketing all year round. Together we can make 2018 your best year yet! Call us on 0208 590 0922 or email info@marcomedia.co.uk